Flames were by far the better team through two and probably deserved more than a two goal lead. The Oilers push back was real in the third and not predicated on bounces, however. They legitimately outchanced the Flames, particualrly the big guns, who had a pretty questionable night on home ice. Iginla et al were all under water by the end of the evening and, considering the quality of the opposition, that's a pretty strong indictment of their efforts.

The problems for Iginla's line were numerous: Tanguay passed the puck whenever he was in the scoring area and Stajan spent a lot of time doing the same. Iginla was the player that has appeared more often than not the last season and a half: a periphery guy who does little more than try to blast long shots through obvious blocks.

As usual, the third line knocked it out of the park. A trend is emerging here...

Brutal first and second by the Oilers. In one power play they had like 50 give aways. Sucks that they only showed up in the third. I agree with you about Iginla, I've always liked his style but he is playing pretty bad (or did this game), is it possible he is hurt ? Or just can't see the defender standing 8 feet from him ? I have to say the flames broadcasters are IMO the worst in the league. Check out the article at Oilersnation.

I dunno Kent. I thought Iggy and co kept the play alive for long stretches against Hemsky there in periods 1/2. It didn't result in chances apparently, didn't notice that and we hope that's not a trend.

On the flipside, he needs to win physical battles against Peckham (!!!). Jesus that drove me insane.

Also, EVTOI in a high-EV game like this, with lots of high-leverage time, clearly shows a "top 2F" view of the roster.

It's not enough, RO. Keeping the puck in the zone against the Oilers is a fairly trivial accomplishment, particularly for anyone of Jarome's pay grade. They didn't get the puck to the net again and Jarome was a factor...his decision making remains "take puck inside blueline, stop and pass or stop and shoot from a distance". To top it off, they lost the plot in the third and were mostly run over.

Jesus, Iggy was outchanced 2-1 and -1 for the night. Not a great night for the top line. I can't for the life of me figure out why they aren't doing better against this level of comp from the Oilers.

There is a lot of criticism leveled at Iggy for playing perimeter now, and I have to admit he seems to float there a lot but every single game I have seen him drive the net at least a couple of times (tonight was no different) and I don't think that all of the criticism is deserving. Also I noticed him standing in front of the net a lot tonight including on Bouwmeesters goal. I don't know if that was by design. Another thing I don't know if it's by design or not but Iggy always seems to be parked by the blue line and never enters the zone with any speed or momentum. A lot of times someone skates the puck up then dishes it over once they hit the line where he is just standing there. He just doesn't have that first step to blow by too many defenders. So could some of his issues be by design?

The first line. Iginla is now at a point in his career where he needs to be carried. He still has the shot, he still has the raw skills, but either his strength/mobility/effort are falling off, or everyone else is getting stronger/faster/harder. Likely it's both.

The second line. Jokinen is a very serviceable 3million dollar player. He looked pretty good again last night. Problem is, he's missing very important raw skills (puck handling for instance). He's not a naturally fluid player, but he can be at times. His distribution has been second to only Tanguay and Morrison the last few games. He hustles, probably inefficiently, and needs to be with other players who do the same. That is NOT Iginla. But that trio of Hagman, Bourque and Jokinen is a very good one and Joker seems to be gaining confidence. They could be crazy scary, if they're all feeling good.

The third line is very, very good. I just wonder if it gets dismantled when injured players return. Hope not.

The fourth line is quite good. I'd like to see Moss there instead of Meyer, but for who Meyer is, he brings game.

i thought 12 was playing hard this game, not the best decisions but he worked hard, lots of try. not a 7M player but that ship has sailed. he's not gonna outplay that contract for the rest of the term.